Brave second for Dance Sequence in G1 Oaks

Dance Sequence went down fighting behind Ezeliya as the two daughters of Dubawi dominated the finish to the G1 Oaks at Epsom Downs on Friday, 31 May.

Stepping up in trip after finishing ninth in the G1 1,000 Guineas, Dance Sequence broke on terms and was held up towards the rear of the 12 runners by William Buick.

The Charlie Appleby-trained filly found herself second last after drifting out at the top of the straight but powered through the field to dispute the running with Ezeliya entering the final quarter-mile.

Dance Sequence continued to look uneasy on the camber and shifted onto the inside rail a furlong and a half out, allowing Ezeliya to sweep into a clear advantage shortly after.

Ezeliya quickened away inside the final furlong, with Dance Sequence keeping to her task to go down by three lengths. War Chimes made late inroads to take third, a length and a half further back.

Charlie Appleby said: “Dance Sequence has run a great race. They have gone a nice gallop and William [Buick] said he had to make his move when he did, as the race was coming back to him.

“William felt he got there to win his race and then got outstayed. I think coming back to a mile and a quarter will be the right trip for her, but it is great to get her back on track after the Guineas.

“We have no immediate targets in mind, although one thing to note from today is that she has appreciated cut in the ground again. You can quite confidently say that her best performances have been with ease, so she will have an autumn campaign pencilled in.”